Dental crowns restore and enhance the functionality of damaged teeth — but can they also lead to bad breath?
This article explores the potential link between crowns and bad breath, offering essential tips for keeping your breath fresh, with or without crowns.
Quick Answer: Do Crowns Cause Bad Breath?
While crowns themselves do not directly cause bad breath, it is important to note that poor oral hygiene around the crown area can lead to bacterial buildup, which can result in bad breath (“halitosis”).
When crowns are not properly cleaned, food particles and bacteria can accumulate around the edges of the crown, leading to the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
Therefore, regular brushing and flossing, paying special attention to the crown margins, is essential in preventing bad breath associated with crowns.
Further, underlying dental issues that necessitate crown placement, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can also contribute to bad breath. These oral health problems create an environment conducive to the growth of odor-causing bacteria, which can persist even after the placement of a crown.
Addressing the root cause of these issues through proper dental treatment and maintenance is key to ensuring long-term oral health and fresh breath.
Remember, while crowns themselves may not be the direct culprit behind bad breath, maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine and addressing any underlying dental concerns are crucial steps in combating halitosis.
Understanding the Role of Oral Hygiene in Crown-Related Bad Breath
Good oral hygiene is the cornerstone of fresh breath.
When it comes to crowns, maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes even more important.
Plaque and bacteria can accumulate around the margins of the crown, leading to bad breath if not adequately addressed.
This problem can be exacerbated by crowns that have an overhang or underhang at the margin which causes food debris to build up.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is essential. Make sure to pay extra attention to the gum line and the area around the crown.
Regular dental check-ups are also beneficial to the health of your crown and overall oral hygiene. Your dentist can detect any signs of decay or gum disease early on, preventing complications that could contribute to bad breath. Professional cleanings also help in removing stubborn plaque and tartar that may have accumulated around the crown, further improving your breath freshness.
Finally, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated play significant roles in oral health. Foods high in sugar and acidity can contribute to bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to unpleasant odors.
Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps in washing away food particles and bacteria, promoting a healthier oral environment and fresher breath.
Common Causes of Bad Breath After Crown Placement
Bad breath after crown placement can be attributed to various factors:
It's important to note that while bad breath can be a common issue after crown placement, it can be managed with proper care and attention.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you neglect proper oral hygiene, bacteria can accumulate near the crown margin and cause an unpleasant odor. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can prevent this issue.
Additionally, using antimicrobial mouth rinses can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and maintain fresh breath.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
When plaque is not adequately removed, it can harden into tartar, which requires professional cleaning to be removed. Tartar buildup around the crown can contribute to bad breath.
It's crucial to schedule regular dental cleanings to remove any plaque and tartar buildup around the crown and maintain good oral health.
Decay and Infections
Although crowns protect damaged teeth, they do not make them immune to decay or infections. Recurrent decay or untreated infections can result in bad breath. Regular dental check-ups are essential to detect and address these issues promptly.
Maintaining a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods can also help prevent decay and infections, ultimately reducing the likelihood of bad breath.
How to Properly Clean and Maintain Crowns for Fresh Breath
To keep your crowns clean and maintain fresh breath, follow these practices:
Regular Brushing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently brush your teeth, paying attention to the crown area. Be thorough but avoid applying excessive pressure that could damage the crown or your gums.
Flossing***
Gently floss around the crown area and between the adjacent teeth to remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to bad breath. Use a floss threader or interdental brushes if necessary.
The flossing surfaces of crowned teeth are a common place for food and debris to get stuck. If you are experiencing bad breath associated with a crown, meticulous flossing is crucial!
Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Choose a mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance for proven effectiveness.
Recurrent Decay & Bad Breath
Despite the protective properties of crowns, recurrent decay can still occur.
If you notice persistent bad breath after crown placement, it might be a sign of recurrent decay. Visit your dentist for a thorough examination and any necessary treatment.
Dental Infections & Bad Breath
In some cases, bad breath after crown placement can be a result of an underlying dental infection. This infection may occur due to untreated decay or an issue with the crown itself.
If you experience persistent bad breath accompanied by other symptoms like pain or swelling, seek professional dental care immediately to address the infection and prevent further complications.
Plaque Traps & the Role of Home Care in Bad Breath*
One challenge with crowns is that they can create plaque traps. If dental plaque accumulates around the crown margins, it can release volatile sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath.
Using proper home care techniques, such as flossing and brushing with the right technique and tools, can help minimize plaque buildup and reduce the risk of bad breath.
Seeking Professional Help for Persistent Bad Breath with Crowns
If you experience persistent bad breath despite maintaining good oral hygiene practices and following the tips mentioned, it is advisable to seek professional help. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of your crown, check for any underlying issues, and provide targeted treatment to address the root cause of the bad breath.
Final Thoughts
While crowns themselves do not cause bad breath, poor oral hygiene, plaque accumulation, recurrent decay, and dental infections can contribute to unpleasant breath odors. Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene, follow proper cleaning techniques for crowns, and seek professional dental care if bad breath persists.
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, you can enjoy the benefits of crowns without worrying about bad breath.
FAQs
Why does my breath stink after getting crowns?
Bad breath after getting crowns may be due to poor oral hygiene, leading to bacteria buildup around the crown margins or under the crown if it doesn't fit properly. It could also indicate an infection or decay under the crown, though this is less common.
How do you get rid of a bad smell in a crown?
Eliminating bad smell from around a crown involves improving oral hygiene practices, such as thorough brushing, flossing around the crown, and possibly even using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for professionally cleaning the area and checking for underlying issues.
Do teeth rot under crowns?
Teeth can decay under crowns if bacteria infiltrate the margins due to poor fit, damage, or if oral hygiene is neglected. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to prevent decay and address any problems early.
What are the disadvantages of dental crowns?
Disadvantages of dental crowns may include the initial cost, potential need for replacement over time, risk of decay at the crown margin if not properly maintained, and the possibility of sensitivity or discomfort. Additionally, the procedure requires altering the natural tooth.
Why does my mouth taste bad around my crown?
A bad taste around a crown could signal an infection or decay under the crown, leading to bacteria buildup. It’s important to address this symptom with your dentist to rule out and treat potential issues.
How do I know if my crown is rotten?
Signs that the tooth beneath a crown may be decaying include persistent bad breath or taste, discomfort or sensitivity around the crowned tooth, and swelling or bleeding of the gums around the crown. A dentist can confirm decay through an examination and X-rays.
How do I clean under my crown?
While you cannot clean under a fully sealed crown at home, maintaining the health of the surrounding gum and the margin of the crown is possible with thorough brushing, flossing, and possibly using interdental brushes or water flossers to clean around the crown effectively. Regular dental cleanings are also essential for areas that are difficult to reach at home.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.